May 23, 2025
Orlando and Kissimmee projects share “Deal of the Year” award
GrowthSpotter
Two multifamily projects that reshaped downtown districts in Orlando and Kissimmee were recognized as Deals of the Year by the Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors (CFCAR) during the Hallmark Awards ceremony on Tuesday.
Both projects, Kissimmee’s Beaumont Redevelopment and Property Markets Group’s Society Orlando tower, were led by New York-based developers making their entry into the Orlando market.
The Allen, a 312-unit Class A community, anchors the 20-acre Beaumont Redevelopment for the City of Kissimmee. The city partnered with Skyview Companies for the $200 million multi-phase project, which wrapped construction earlier this month on Phase 1.
Skyview Companies recently completed the 312-unit Class A apartment community on land the city bought from Osceola County in 2017 for $4 million. The city also contributed $9 million in CRA funds to help pay for the master infrastructure.
“We’re just thrilled with our Public-Private-Partnership with Kissimmee,” Skyview’s Stephen Liberty told GrowthSpotter. “It worked out better than expected. This was our first project in Florida and our first after COVID. We’re glad it resonated with the community.”
He said the next phase will be a 100,000-square-foot medical office building with structured parking, helping realize the city’s vision of an urban mixed-use district.
The 4-story, double-courtyard apartment building was designed by CBA Companies and HPA Design Group. Greystar is the management company and started the initial lease-up earlier this month. (Photo by Gray Street Studios)
PMG’s 27-story Society tower represents the largest multifamily project ever in Orlando’s CBD. The first phase, which opened to residents last spring, includes the first 462 units, 100,000 square feet of amenities and 34,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.
The Society brand introduced the co-living concept to Orlando’s downtown market. Offering the rent by the bedroom, or RBB, plan creates an opening for residents who want new construction and luxury amenities at more affordable rents. For example, rent for a studio unit starts at over $2,100 a month, but a tenant who lives with roommates can rent a bedroom with a private bathroom and walk-in closet in a fully-furnished apartment for around $1,300 per month.
The Society Orlando tower features 34,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, including Thrive cocktail lounge. (Courtesy of PMG)
PMG shared the Hallmark award with its leasing team at CBRE, architects Baker Barrios, engineer Kimley-Horn and GC Moriarity & Associates.
This year, CFCAR also introduced the association’s first ever Innovation Awards to celebrate four projects that push the boundaries of creativity, sustainability, and impact.
“These are the developments that don’t just fit into the marketplace—they redefine it,” CFCAR President Sharisse Walton said. The winners came from the entire Central Florida region.
- Northwest Square (Volusia County) involved the adaptive reuse of Trinity Methodist Church in DeLand.
- 1881 Restaurant & Bar (Osceola County) involved the adaptive reuse of downtown Kissimmee’s Makinson’s Hardware building
- Crooked Can Brewery (Orange and Lake counties) involved the adaptive reuse of a former Section 8 apartment building into a craft brewery, as well as new brewery and food hall in Minneola
- Amazing Explorers Academy (multiple locations) celebrates the innovative concept and expansion
“These projects all had one thing in common: they weren’t just impressive—they were cool! And, of course, each of them included a realtor’s expertise, reinforcing the vital role of commercial real estate professionals in shaping our communities,” Walton said.
Winter Garden’s Crooked Can Brewing Company plans to add a new brewery and food hall with a 1-acre beer garden in Minneola, with a building approaching four times as large as its current home. (Walker Design)
The association also honored three recipients with the 2025 Legacy Award for their lasting impact on the CRE industry. They are Wanda Riley, Cushman & Wakefield; Damien Madsen, Harbert Realty Services; and Gary Ralston, Saunders Real Estate.
Robert Strickland, Blaine Strickland and Hunter Strickland, representing three generations who all achieved CCIM designation, took home the Generational Excellence Award.